Blasting the Substrate – The Importance of a Correctly Etched Profile

Adhesion: Using the right sand blasting media is essential to achieve the correct mechanical profile for Cerakote to bond properly. Good mechanical adhesion is key to Cerakote’s performance attributes.

Media: We highly recommend using only #100 grit Aluminum Oxide or Garnet Sand, either will give the substrate a properly blasted profile for Cerakote application and performance.

Substrate Material

Metals: Sandblast at approximately 80-100 PSI, blast profile should resemble a sand paper like finish. After sandblasting, inspect parts for inconsistency. If the part’s surface is varying in sheen after blasting, you haven’t blasted enough. Continue to sandblast parts until a consistent profile is achieved.

Composites: (i.e. plastic/polymer/carbon fiber): Sand blast at approximately 30-40 PSI, striving for a lightly etched profile, blasting profile should resemble a matte appearance. After sandblasting, inspect parts for inconsistency. If the part’s surface is varying in sheen after blasting, you haven’t blasted enough. Continue to sand blast parts until a consistent etched profile is achieved.

Tips:

• Schedule regular media swaps to maintain a proper and consistent mechanical profile, media will break down over time and collect contaminants from prolonged usage which can lead to compromised adhesion of Cerakote.
• Sandblasting at high PSI settings will create more friction and can cause surface defects if used on softer materials.

Example of non-blasted aluminum and blasted aluminum panels